Confirmed coronavirus case at Portslade primary school

In a letter addressed to parents and carers, Mile Oak Primary School says a pupil has tested positive for the virus.

The letter, which has been shared on social media, reads: “We have been advised by Public Health England that there has been a confirmed case of Covid-19 within the school.

“We have telephoned all parents whose children were in direct contact with the confirmed case.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with Public Health England.

“This letter is to inform you of the current situation and provide advice on how to support your child.

“Please be reassured that, for most people, coronavirus will be a mild illness.”

Brighton & Hove City Council has since confirmed the news.

Alistair Hill, director of public health, said: “Mile Oak Primary School informed us recently that one of their pupils has tested positive for coronavirus.

“The school has worked closely with Public Health England to inform parents and pass on PHE’s advice on minimising the risk of catching and transmitting the disease.

“Parents whose children were in close contact with the pupil affected have been contacted separately with appropriate advice from Public Health England.”

Mile Oak Primary School in Graham Avenue, Mile Oak, has issued advice to parents whose child may develop symptoms of Covid-19.

It said: “If your child develops symptoms of Covid-19, they should remain at home for at least seven days from the date when their symptoms appeared.

“Anyone with symptoms will be eligible for testing and this can be arranged via the NHS website or by calling 119.

“All other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

“The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.

“Household members should not go to work, school or public areas and exercise should be taken within the home.

“Household members staying at home for 14 days will greatly reduce the overall amount of infection the household could pass on to others in the community.

“If you are able, move any vulnerable individuals (such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions) out of your home, to stay with friends or family for the duration of the home isolation period.”

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.